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Tony Bloom's Hearts talks ramp up with '£10m investment' to follow Jamestown Analytics announcement
Hearts have confirmed Tony Bloom IS in talks to become a minority shareholder at the club - on the same day they announced an exclusive partnership with his Jamestown Analytics data analysis firm.
Speculation has been rife for months over the Brighton owner investing heavily in the Gorgie club, part of the deal being a data-led transformation of their recruitment process. It was reported that Bloom's Starlizard software was used in bringing Neil Critchley to the club as Steven Naismith's replacement, although nothing official had been announced to that end. Until now.
A Hearts spokesperson revealed today that Bloom has 'expressed an interest' in becoming a minority shareholder, and it's reported by the Edinburgh Evening News he'll gain a significant stake in the club for an investment up to £10m. That's if it is ratified by the heavily fan-owned board - the Foundation of Hearts currently own more than 75 per cent of the club and any investment would need 90 per cent approval from the group's 8,000+ members to go through.
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A club spokesperson said: “Tony Bloom has expressed an interest in investing in the club and becoming a minority shareholder. The discussions between club and Bloom’s representatives are ongoing. As soon as there is anything definitive to announce the club will make a statement.”
The news broke shortly after the official announcement on Wednesday morning that the club will be using Bloom's analytics firm to drive their recruitment going forward. It will see the club become 'exclusive users' of the Brighton owner's data analytics service in Scotland, with Brighton in the Premier League, Union SG in Belgium and Como in Italy already making use of Jamestown Analytics.
They added: "With new sporting director Graeme Jones starting his position on November 25th, he will lead on the football department’s integration of analytics into its work, which will aid not only the club’s player recruitment but will also enhance opposition analysis."
